Nutella French Toast Bites: A Cozy, Crispy, Chocolatey Delight

If you’ve ever wished you could take the warm, comforting experience of classic French toast and turn it into bite-sized, finger-friendly treats—this recipe is your dream come true. These Nutella French Toast Bites are golden, crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and irresistibly coated in cinnamon sugar. When dipped into creamy Nutella, they become a chocolate lover’s breakfast fantasy. Perfect for weekend brunches, cozy mornings, or even a dessert-style breakfast board, these little bites are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bite-sized and shareable – Perfect for serving family-style or packing into brunch boxes.
• Coated in cinnamon sugar – That extra crunch and spice makes each bite taste like a churro.
• Nutella dipping sauce – Because French toast + Nutella is an elite combo.
• Quick and easy – With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be done in under 30 minutes.
• Kid and crowd-approved – A guaranteed hit with all ages.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that make this recipe shine:

• Thick-cut brioche or challah bread – These rich, soft breads are perfect for soaking up the egg custard without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works best, as it holds its structure better.
• Eggs – They form the base of the custard and provide the structure that turns bread into French toast.
• Whole milk or heavy cream – This adds richness to the custard and makes the bites extra creamy inside.
• Vanilla extract – Just a splash enhances the flavor and gives the custard a dessert-like aroma.
• Ground cinnamon – Mixed into the sugar coating and sometimes the custard for warm spice in every bite.
• Granulated sugar – Used for the cinnamon-sugar coating to give the outside of the bites that satisfying crunch.
• Butter – For frying the bites to golden perfection. You want to use just enough to crisp them up in the pan without making them greasy.
• Nutella – The luscious, creamy dip that takes this recipe over the top. You can serve it warm or at room temp, or even swirl it into whipped cream for a fancier dip.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These bites come together easily and quickly. Here’s exactly how to make them:

1. Cube the Bread

Start with day-old brioche or challah bread and cut it into 1.5-inch cubes. You want them large enough to hold their shape when dipped and cooked, but still bite-sized.

Set the cubes aside in a large mixing bowl or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Make the Custard

In a shallow bowl or mixing bowl, whisk together the following:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Whisk until fully combined.

3. Soak the Bread Cubes

Working in batches, quickly dip the bread cubes into the custard mixture. Don’t let them soak too long—just a few seconds per side. You want them coated, but not soggy. Place the coated cubes back onto your sheet or bowl.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Set this aside—you’ll toss the cooked bites in this mixture while they’re still warm.

5. Fry the Bites

In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt about 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s hot and bubbling, add the soaked bread cubes in a single layer.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until all sides are golden brown and crisp. You may need to work in 2 or 3 batches, adding more butter as needed between rounds.

Transfer the cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate briefly to absorb any excess butter.

6. Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While the bites are still warm, immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. The residual heat will help the sugar stick and slightly melt, forming a crunchy, flavorful coating.

7. Serve with Nutella

Place your cinnamon sugar-coated bites in a bowl or on a platter. In the center, place a ramekin of Nutella for dipping. You can also microwave the Nutella for 10–15 seconds to make it extra silky for dipping.

Serving Ideas

These Nutella French Toast Bites are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some ways to enjoy and serve them:

• Brunch platter centerpiece – Arrange them on a tray with small bowls of Nutella, maple syrup, and fresh berries.
• Holiday breakfast – Perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or Valentine’s Day.
• Snack board favorite – Add to a dessert grazing board with strawberries, banana slices, and mini croissants.
• Kid-friendly snack – Serve warm with a small spoonful of Nutella or chocolate spread.

Tips for Success

To make the best Nutella French Toast Bites every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use slightly stale bread – Day-old bread holds up better and soaks evenly without turning to mush.
• Don’t soak too long – A quick dip is all you need to coat the cubes without oversaturating them.
• Use enough butter for crisping – Don’t skimp on the butter when frying. It’s essential for that golden, toasty crust.
• Toss in sugar while hot – Coating the bites immediately after frying ensures the cinnamon sugar adheres beautifully.
• Serve fresh – These bites are best served warm and freshly coated, when they’re crisp on the outside and soft inside.

Flavor Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:

• Stuffed Bites – Before dipping, cut a slit in each bread cube and stuff with a bit of Nutella or chocolate chips.
• Maple Dipping Sauce – Warm pure maple syrup with a splash of cream and cinnamon for an alternate dip.
• Fruit-filled – Serve with sliced bananas or strawberries for a chocolate-fruit combo.
• Pumpkin Spice Version – Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the sugar coating and add a bit to the custard.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

While these are best enjoyed fresh, you can store and prep components ahead:

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Cube the bread and make the cinnamon sugar mixture ahead of time.
• Prepare the custard and keep it in the fridge until ready to dip and fry.
• You can also fry the bites in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before tossing in cinnamon sugar.

Final Thoughts

Nutella French Toast Bites are everything we love about French toast, cinnamon sugar treats, and chocolate-dipped desserts—all in one adorable little package. They’re easy to make, wildly fun to eat, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just looking to treat yourself to something special, these bites deliver warmth, comfort, and indulgence with every dunk.

So grab that loaf of brioche, break out the Nutella, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sweet breakfast or brunch recipe. One bite, and you’ll see why these are bound to become a weekend tradition.

Enjoy every crispy, chocolatey bite!